Holly MatkinBoston, MA – Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department (SCSD) Officer Robert Murphy died in the line of duty on Sept. 24, after suffering a medical emergency at the House of Correction facility.
The 50-year-old officer had just arrived to work that morning when he began having “a feeling of numbness in his legs” and “extreme clamminess” across his body, the SCSD said in a Facebook post.
“Upon examination by one of our medical practitioners, emergency medical services were activated and Officer Murphy was transported to Boston Medical Center, where they immediately began surgery to repair the aortic valve in his heart,” his department explained.
“Unfortunately, doctors’ attempts to save him were unsuccessful and Officer Murphy was lost to us last night,” the SCSD said.
Officer Murphy served the department for nearly 23 years.
He was a very active member of the sheriff’s office, serving on both the honor guard and with the SCSD’s motorcycle unit.
“Many have described him as a ‘gentle giant’ who was always ready with a kind word or conversation for all, and a warmth of spirit even greater than his imposing presence,” the department noted.
Officer Murphy leaves behind his wife, Kirsten, and his children, 18-year-old Liam, 16-year-old Brendan, and 12-year-old Declan.
He is also survived by his parents, siblings, in-laws, and many nieces and nephews, according to his obituary.
“On behalf of everyone in the Department, we send them our prayers and share our condolences,” the SCSD said. “Rest In Peace, Officer Murphy. You will be deeply, profoundly missed.”
Officer Murphy will be laid to rest on Wednesday.
The men and women of the BPPA are saddened to hear of the passing of Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department Officer Robert Murphy. We send our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and colleagues. https://t.co/fk0QskH5g6 pic.twitter.com/UAunc4Svan
— Boston Police Patrolmen's Association (BPPA) (@BostonPatrolmen) September 28, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department Officer Robert Murphy, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
